Helen "Joan" Smith, 88, of Minden, passed away on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Bethany Home in Minden. Private family services will be held at a later date in Burwell. Memorials in Joan's honor are kindly suggested to the family for future designation. Craig Funeral Home in Minden is assisting the family.

Helen Joan Smith was born on January 29, 1938, in Sargent, NE to George W. and Helen M. (Ohmberger) Holmes. She grew up in the rural Loup County area and attended school at Rock County High School in Bassett, graduating with the class of 1956.

She was united in marriage to Donald E. Smith on June 2, 1957, at the Methodist church in Sargent and to this union four children were born: Kimberly, Kyle, Kirk and Kristy. The family made their home in Ainsworth, where she was employed by NPPD. Joan and Don were owner/operators of the Sands Kennel raising German shorthair pointers and Chesapeake Bay retrievers. She also lived in Burwell and Minden.

Joan was a member of the Methodist church, Doe's Club, and Quilt Guild. When her children were young, she was a den mother for cub scouts and took great pride in going to all her kids' sporting events including football, volleyball, basketball, wrestling and track. Joan enjoyed touring the area on the motorcycle with Don every summer. She would quilt, crochet and cross stitch in the winter months, and garden in the spring and summer. Another passion Joan had was doing family genealogy. She was an avid Husker fan, watching any chance she had.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Kyle Smith and Kirk (Susanne) Smith of Mesa, AZ; daughter, Kristy (Sam) LaPuma of Minden; 6 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; as well as a host of extended relatives and close friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband; daughter Kimberly; parents; mother and father-in-law; and sister, Bonnie Smith.

Tributes and memories can be shared with the family at www.craigfunerals.com .